Page:The letters of Martin Luther.djvu/280

 ===CCXXXIX=== TO HIERONYMUS WELLER

Refutation of Augsburg Confession, read August 3. Charles insisted on the Princes agreeing with every word, for he would have no schism. Philip of Hesse responded by secretly quitting Augsburg.

August 10, 1530.

If in my forgetfulness I should repeat myself about melancholy, you will forgive me, for our temptations are common to all, and doubtless you suffer for me even as I do for you.

We are persecuted for Christ’s sake, but let us honor Him by bearing each other’s burdens. Do not worry over what you suffer, such a spirit being fatal to Christian joy. God has no pleasure in self-torture. So, seeing such despondency displeases Him, we should bear Satan’s onslaughts patiently, trusting in God. True, it is not always easy to shake off such thoughts, but if we cast all our care upon Him they will not gain the mastery. The Lord Jesus, that unconquerable Conqueror, will help you. From my solitude. MARTIN LUTHER. (Walch, 5:21. 1211.)

CCXL
TO KATHERINE, LUTHER’S WIFE

August 14, 1530.

Grace and peace in Christ, my dear Kathie!

The messenger has scarcely a second to wait, but I must send you a line.

Tell Pommer and the others that I shall soon write. No news from Augsburg, but expect letters hourly. It is reported that our answer to the Refutation will be read publicly, but they refuse us a copy of it, to enable us to answer it.

If they are so afraid of the light, our people will not remain long. Since St. Lawrence’s Day I have been almost well, having had no buzzing in my head, which enables me to do my writing, for till lately I was much plagued with these noises. Greet everybody and everything. More again. God be with you. Amen. Pray